General features: In English, it is called Purple fleabane (PF), botanically known as Centratherum anthelminticum or Veronica anthelmintica, which is a tropical medicinal herb called Somraj (সোমরাজ) in Bengali and Hindi. The shrub is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its bitter purple flowers and seeds. The plant belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae, andContinue reading “Veronica anthelmintica: The Benefits of Somraj in Herbal Medicine”
Author Archives: Natural Herbssite
Retired Scientist
Tamarind: Culinary and Medicinal Uses of Tamarindus Indica
Tamarind a millenia old medicinal plant which is also used from the ancient times for culinary uses. It exhibits a large number of health benefits preventing or curing numerous chronic metabolic diseases.
Understanding Crateva Religiosa: Medicinal Uses and Benefits
Crateva religiosa is traditional medicinal plant, beneficial for health. Its barks, leaves, and flower extracts can prevent or cure numerous metabolic disorders and microbial illnesses. It grows in tropical climate. In India it is regarded as a sacred tree.
Costus Igneus: The Natural Insulin Plant Explained
General features: Costus igneus (CI), also known as Chamaecostus cuspidatus, is a herbaceous perennial commonly called fiery costus, spiral flag, or, especially in India, the ‘insulin plant’ because of its reported antidiabetic effects [1]. In Hindi, it is known as Jarul, in Bengali as Piasal, and in Sanskrit as Asana or Bandhukapushpa. CI actually belongsContinue reading “Costus Igneus: The Natural Insulin Plant Explained”
Saraca indica / Saraca asoka / Asoka (Bengali / Sanskrit)
General features: Saraca indica (SI) and Saraca asoka are perennial evergreen trees commonly known in India as the Asoka tree or the “sorrowless” tree. They are ornamental members of the Fabaceae (legume) family and the genus Saraca. SI is often confused with Saraca asoca (SA) because the two species are closely related and appear veryContinue reading “Saraca indica / Saraca asoka / Asoka (Bengali / Sanskrit)”
Purslane / Pursley / Ajmoda (Hindi)/ Nunia(নুনিয়া /Bengali)
General Features: The botanical name is Portulaca oleracea (PO), commonly known as purslane or, more colloquially, pursley. In Hindi or Sanskrit, it is called Ajmood or Ajmoda. Its Bengali name is Nunia saag/ নুনিয়া শাক or simply নুনিয়া / Nunia. The plant is perennial in a tropical climate; otherwise, it is annual in other weather.Continue reading “Purslane / Pursley / Ajmoda (Hindi)/ Nunia(নুনিয়া /Bengali)”
Black pepper / Golmarich(গোলমরিচ- Bengali)
General features: The botanical name is Piper nigrum (PN), commonly called Black pepper, which is well-known as “king of spices”. It is a perennial climbing flowering vine of the Piper genus and Piperaceae family. The genus Piper is related to another Asian species, Piper caninum [1]. Black pepper/PN is widely used as a hot, pungentContinue reading “Black pepper / Golmarich(গোলমরিচ- Bengali)”
Siraitia grosvenorii / Monkfruit (sweeter than sugar)
General features: Siraitia grosvenorii (SG) is the botanical name. It is widely known as monk fruit and is famed as a low-calorie sugar substitute, sweeter than any natural sugar; in addition, it has immense medicinal properties. The plant is primarily found in the mountainous regions of southern China, especially in Guangxi province. It is aContinue reading “Siraitia grosvenorii / Monkfruit (sweeter than sugar)”
Scoparia Dulcis / Mithi Patti (Hindi)/ Bon Dhonya (Bengali)/Kallurukki (Tamil)
General features: Scoparia dulcis (SD) is a perennial flowering medicinal herb belonging to the Plantaginaceae family of the Scoparia genus. It is also known as Licorice weed, Scoparia weed, or Sweet Broom Weed in English. In Hindi, it is called Mithi patti, and in Bengali, it is known as Bon Dhonya (বন ধনিয়া). In someContinue reading “Scoparia Dulcis / Mithi Patti (Hindi)/ Bon Dhonya (Bengali)/Kallurukki (Tamil)”
Artemisia Indica / Damanaka (Sanskrit) /Dhavanam / Nagadhona (Hindi)
General features: Artemisia indica (AI), also known as Indian wormwood, is a widespread flowering plant in the Asteraceae family of the Artemisia genus. The name originates from the Greek word “Artemis,” meaning “healthy.” In recent days, any species of this genus is well-known for its antimalarial activities. The genus holds about 400 species. Despite its distinctiveContinue reading “Artemisia Indica / Damanaka (Sanskrit) /Dhavanam / Nagadhona (Hindi)”